Jerez is the epitome of Andalucía. A quiet, understated plaza becomes a raucous cacophony of music and sherry. Taverns hold intimate flamenco shows - the hottest ticket in town. In fact, flamenco is essential- it will be the highlight of your Andalusían adventure. Jerez is a special town that encapsulates the region's magical spirit more than anywhere else and will kindly remind you why you're there.
Jerez's currency is the Euro (€). €1 = £0.83 / $1.10 (as of 2022).
Jerez de la Frontera
Top 5 things to see
A flamenco show at Tabanco El Pasaje
Jerez is whispered to be the birthplace of flamenco, and although Seville will argue vehemently for the title, there is no better place than Jerez to watch an authentic show. Since 1925 Tabanco El Pasaje - the town's oldest tabanco - hosts beloved daily shows with renowned acts.
It's an intimate setting, with space for 8 tables, which are reserved exclusively for those who book, and a small stage tucked round the corner of the bar. We can't say this enough - you MUST book in advance to reserve a table. Otherwise, you'll have to stand by the bar and watch through the mirror behind the buzzing bar.
Catedral de San Salvador
Since 1675, Jerez's cathedral towers over the neighbourhoods across the town. The flat facade radiates at golden hour. Its architecture epitomises Andalusían history; baroque meets neoclassical meets gothic and all styles blend seamlessly. Its bell tower on the square also blends 15th-century Gothic-Madéjar with 17th-century design - you can climb this too for exceptional views of the cathedral as well as over the town.
Tickets cost €6/free for adults/children.
Catedral de San Salvador Tickets
Alcázar de Jerez
One of Andalucía's best-preserved Moorish fortresses, the Alcázar dates from the 11th century and houses towers for views over the city and beautiful gardens with Arabic baths. Outside the Alcázar is the Alameda Vieja, a lush park with a pavilion from the 18th-century.
Sherry Tasting
Part of the exclusive club of the Sherry Triangle (Jerez, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Sanlúcar de Barrameda) there is no better place in the world to try the famous fortified drink than Jerez - and if you like sherry, there is no better place to indulge.
Book a sherry tasting at Bodegas Tradición - west of the town, it's a renowned rustic winery with 14th to 19th century art.
Tickets cost €35 and take 90 minutes. Tours in English, Spanish and German.
Day trip to El Puerto de Santa Maria
A small, often overlooked town on the coast, Santa Maria is only 15 minutes by train and provides a fun day trip if you're looking for a beach and intimate, rustic tapas bars on your Andalusían tour. The golden Playa de la Puntilla, close to Santa Maria's centre, stretches into the Ensenada del Aculadero and brings the locals to the beach for sunset.
Look close enough and you'll see Cádiz across the bay.
Where to eat and drink
For breakfast
La Antigua Cruz Blanca is a cute cafe by the Plaza del Arenal serving up toast and slices of fresh ham with coffee. Simple, light breakfasts to start your day.
Churros Plaza de Jerez is a rustic churrería. Grab some hot drinking chocolate and enjoy!
For lunch
Mercado Central de Abastos is the town's local market supplying fresh food from the region. Make a picnic and head to Plaza del Arenal or the greener Alameda Vieja.
For dinner
Bar Juanito is the best in the town. Walk the narrow side-street of Calle Pozuelo by the Alcázar and you'll stumble upon this cute tapas bar. Bar Juanito is very well-priced with excellent food.
Tabanco El Pasaje as discussed above in the What to see section needs another mention. The oldest flamenco bar in town has an excellent menu of top quality dishes.
For the adults
Tala Bar is a cute bar on Calle Lanceria, off Plaza del Arenal. Exposed brick and old wooden tables provide a nice setting to relax with a glass of wine or Tinto de Verano.
Bodegas Lustau away from the town centre, is a large winery offering tastings, tours or just a sit-down drink. Barrels and barrels and barrels are stored, so there's a lot of wine to get through!
Tipping
Tipping isn't required, but you can add an extra euro to your bill if the service was good.
Safety Tip
Jerez is a safe town but not well lit. Uber does operate if you feel more comfortable to use at night.
Two Passports Top Tip: Jerez is more than a day trip
Give Jerez more than just a day; the town is the perfect night trip to add onto your Seville city break or your Andalusían excursion - in fact, we think it will be your favourite part of the journey.
Even one night might not be enough, but no more than two nights.
Experience the wine tasting, the Alcázar, cathedral and the hospitable locals with leisure. It's not a fast-paced region, so treat it like one, otherwise you won't experience it properly.
When to Go
Low Season: November to February
There's a chance of heavy rain and the nights are shorter. But tourism is low so if you're happy to visit Spain when it isn't roasting hot, this is a good time.
Shoulder Season: March to May and September to October
Sporadic bursts of rain are common, but days are longer than Winter. Perfect time to visit: weather is warmer, tourists are low, and the locals buzz with the optimism of Summer.
High Season: June to August
Like much of Andalucía, the weather is uncomfortably hot - try and avoid these months if you can. However, if you visit Spain for the hot weather, now is the time.
How to Get There
Jerez de la Frontera (XRY)
XRY is a small airport north of Jerez. If you have a chance to fly in or out of Jerez and spend a night or two here as part of your Andalusían journey, I would 100% recommend it.
XRY only has select routes in Europe. However, it does have a train station with direct routes into Jerez (10 minutes).
Travelling by train
A very small station, Jerez is a 15 minute walk from the Plaza de Arenal - the town's primary public square. It's surprisingly pretty inside too; take a few minutes to enjoy the blue and white tiles!
Travelling in the city
Jerez is completely walkable and easy to navigate if you have mobility issues. There are taxis outside the station to take you to your hotel if you prefer - bring cash with you.
